Gamelli Loves Culture, Atmosphere At Notre Dame

Gian Gamelli LHP / Hamilton-Wenham, MA / 2025

WENHAM, Ma. - It was the middle of November when Gian Gamelli went to a camp at Notre Dame.

“That’s when I really saw the campus, talked to the coaches and met some players,” the top-rated 2025 left-handed pitcher in New England reflected. “I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the atmosphere, the coaches, the culture … everything. There was no downside.”

An offer came a few weeks later and in early January the Hamilton-Wenham sophomore committed to the Atlantic Coast Conference university.

“I visited a number of schools,” explained Gamelli, listing off Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Duke, Virginia and Boston College. “All the schools I visited I really liked, but I felt in the end that Notre Dame was the best fit for me.”

It was at the PBR 15U National Championships in Lake Point where Notre Dame took an interest in the fifth-ranked sophomore from Massachusetts.

“The whole recruiting process started in early summer,” Gamelli related. “I play for NEB and we travel all over to different tournaments, a lot of them high level. The assistant coach, Logan Robbins, saw me play at Lake Point and reached out to Scott Patterson and got in touch with me through him. After that I talked to the pitching coach, Seth Voltz, regularly through the fall.”

Gamelli found everything about Notre Dame to his liking.

“It was a combination of things,” the 6-2 175-pounder said. “I had criteria and they had it. There was a more campus feel. I come from a small town and I didn’t want a big-city vibe. I like how tight-knit the community is. They talk about the alumni system and that it’s a life-long community. I really love the coaches and with the players there was a great team feeling.”

Notre Dame came away intrigued about what Gamelli had to offer.

“They like my two-way potential as a first baseman as well as with pitching,” Gamelli noted. “I’m honored to be a two-way commit. I know it’s rare these days, but I’ve been a pitcher and hitter my whole life. I didn’t want to choose, but I know eventually I have to.”

Admittedly, it is on the mound where the southpaw really stands out in the eyes of Notre Dame.

 “They like my arm slot and the potential of where I can be in a few years,” Gamelli pointed out.

Improvement has played a major role in helping the eight-ranked 2025 in New England find a college home.

“Physically, I’ve gotten better being in the gym a bunch lifting, throwing and hitting,” Gamelli said. “I practice six days a week in the off season. On the mental side, I’ve opened up a whole experience. After taking a few visits I felt I was well prepared for my visit to Notre Dame.”

Gamelli gave credit to Scott Patterson with NEB in helping the cause.

“NEB is really good for recruiting,” Gamelli explained. “That gave me a head start on others. But what was challenging for me was it hit me all at once. I went from zero to 100. That’s not the worst problem to have, it’s just dealing with planning and really enjoying it.”

The desire to play at the next level has been there “my whole life” according to Gamelli.

“It’s been my dream since I was a little kid playing outside in my backyard with my dad and wanting to be in the major leagues,” Gamelli reflected. “I’m blessed to have the opportunity.”

The 15-year-old pointed to parents and coaches as being big influences in his baseball journey.

“My parents have been with me every step of the way from T-Ball to Little League to traveling with me to tournaments and have always had my back,” Gamelli said. “My coaches have helped develop me to the player and person I am today along with my teammates and friends.”

Gamelli is confident he can make an impression at Notre Dame once he arrives at the university in South Bend, Ind., nearly 14 hours from home.

“On the field I want to do the best I can the next couple of years to be prepared to make an impact as soon as I step on the field at Notre Dame,” Gamelli explained. “Off the field I want to help keep the same brotherhood they have now. I’ve had that with coaches in the past and I love that.”

Gamelli, who carries a 3.98 GPA in high school and is uncertain about a college major, was admittedly excited to have found a future home at a school like Notre Dame.

“I feel so blessed and lucky to get this opportunity, it’s something I’ve dreamed about,” Gamelli said. “I’m so happy to get this opportunity, it’s incredible.”

As for what he is looking forward to in college, Gamelli did not mince words.

“The whole culture, the vibe of college baseball and the elite competition,” Gamelli concluded. “The support behind the sports and athletics there will be exciting to see.”